Supporting someone with schizophrenia is a difficult, life-long effort
that can be very stressful. The presence of someone with schizophrenia
in the home can result in financial burden, affect the work and social
life of family members or other caregivers, and be emotionally draining
- particularly when the ill person has a relapse. In some cases, the emotional
response of caregivers or friends to the illness and the method they use
to manage the illness prove counterproductive. Attempts to control the
ill person's behaviour by excessive criticism or being overprotective
may result in more frequent relapses (Kavanagh 1992 a and b).
Family members are often the most important
caregivers for people with schizophrenia. The types of support they provide
depend on the needs of the ill relative, the availability of mental health
and community support services, and the culturally defined role of families
in caring for relatives. In Western, individually-centred societies, the
primary goal of family members (and the mental health care system) is
to help the ill person function independently, manage his or her illness,
and lead life on his or her own.
Family members often benefit from education
about the illness and its treatment and family counseling that provides
emotional support and practical advice about how to manage the ill person's
behaviour. Patient and family support groups can also be a good source
of education for patients and families and are especially helpful in improving
communication skills and teaching coping strategies. Improving the coping
skills of family members can decrease the burden on the family and reduce
the ill person's symptoms and disability (Birchwood and Cochrane 1990;
Lam 1991; Leff et al. 1990; Rea et al. 1991; Torrey 1998; Vaughan et al.
1992).
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